Education Development Trust (EDT) is a leading international not-for-profit organisation and a major force in education improvement on a global scale, focussed on its vision to transform lives by improving education and pathways into work. It strives to change education for good around the world, grounding its work in research and evidence of what works. EDT's experts deliver highly contextualised programmes designed to transform education systems, schools and lives. 

The Trust operates in the UK, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, where it has been running programmes for almost 30 years. As well as directly managing a number of schools, it also manages strategic government contracts and provides broader education consultancy services, working collaboratively with national and local governments, with schools, and with other partners to deliver evidence-based, sustainable solutions that effect positive change. The Trust improves school systems at scale, partnering with governments around the world to help turn ambitious, visionary education policy into reality.

In 2020 / 2021, EDT reached 3.55 million learners and 174,000 educators worldwide - which is a remarkable one million more learners and 80,000 more educators than in the previous year. This increase has in part been driven by a pivot from face-to-face to virtual delivery models but it also speaks to the significant role which EDT has played in the critical global effort to recover lost-learning following the pandemic. In Rwanda, EDT has helped to guide successful back-to-school campaigns, while in Kenya it has helped thousands of vulnerable girls continue learning and return to school. In England, EDT has supported teachers as they focus on learning recovery – including those whose training was disrupted by the school closures of 2020. 

More broadly, EDT has seen its work in the UK with the Department for Education grow considerably, and it is proud to be a key delivery partner on major programmes such as the National Tutoring Programme, Behaviour Hubs, the Early Career Professional Development Programme and the National Professional Qualifications. Looking to the future, EDT will continue to pursue the strategic goals laid out in its 2021-2024 Corporate Strategy, while maintaining excellence in all areas of its delivery. One particularly exciting area of focus will be the development of more effective processes and systems for measuring the impact of its programmes.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the strategy of a hugely impactful international education not-for-profit at a challenging yet exciting time for the sector. Trustees are responsible for directing the affairs of Education Development Trust, including ensuring that it is well-run, solvent and achieves impact through delivery of its charitable outcomes. They hold the executive team to account, providing support as well as robust but positive challenge.

All Trustees are expected to contribute to the success of the organisation by:

• Ensuring that the Board fulfils its collective responsibility for determining the character, vision and strategy of the not-for-profit and that the Chief Executive and senior team are focussed on achieving these, holding them to account by providing robust but positive challenge
• Engaging actively with the activity of Education Development Trust (without being drawn into the day-to-day executive management)
• Ensuring that the Trust’s assets and resources are used appropriately and that systems are in place to meet the Trust’s legal and regulatory obligations
• Ensuring that there is an appropriate governance structure in place, that Education Development Trust complies with its constitution and policies, and that appropriate professional advice is taken if necessary
• Acting as an ambassador for Education Development Trust and offering expertise and insight internally as well, supporting the organisation’s ambitions and business growth
• Participating in certain committees of the Board and, if or when required, also a subsidiary Board
• Visiting particular projects and attending briefing workshops and other training and development activities and, at times, representing the Trust at other meetings and events

Education Development Trust is looking for a Trustee with extensive experience of the English state schools system gained at a senior and / or strategic level. They will also possess a strong network of high-level relationships within the sector.

The ideal candidate will combine direct experience of successful school leadership with broader exposure at the government / policy level. EDT remains open to candidates who have not led schools, as long as they are sufficiently steeped in the sector with relevant strategic-level experience and relationships. Candidates could come from a range of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, current and former leaders of successful Multi-Academy Trusts, regulatory bodies, education businesses, examination boards, unions and other sector bodies; or senior civil servants and policy makers.

Other areas in which the Trust is interested include: commercial experience - particularly the supply of major contracts to government agencies in England; the UK Early Years sector - an understanding of the issues impacting the sector, and involvement in government improvement plans; educational technology - experience in its development and application in the world of education; diversity and inclusion - exposure to this important area of focus in either corporate or educational settings.

The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work collaboratively with other Trustees. They will be able to exercise independent judgement, providing both support and challenge where appropriate. Above all, they will share the values and ambitions of the Trust.

Please note: EDT is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds to this Trustee Board appointment. First time board members are welcome and encouraged to apply.

A full list of current Trustees can be found here. 

This role is remunerated at £10,000 per year, and reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are six Board meetings per year, with the potential for four Committee meetings, as well as an annual away day and ad hoc events; the overall time commitment is therefore estimated to be c. 20 days per year.

For candidates based internationally, as well as around the UK, the Trust is open to their participating mainly in Board meetings via Zoom and to covering travel expenses to Reading, the location of its UK HQ, where necessary. The appointment is for a four-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board.

UK-London

Education Development Trust welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.